Local boxing club raised money to fight cancer

The Derrick Boxing Club showed support to the Fight for Hope fundraiser held in Westlock, Alberta on Saturday, May 27. Over $80,000 were raised at the event which included raffle draws, silent auctions, and live auctions.

The event was organized by a husband and wife tandem from Westlock, Scott and Robyn Cartwright, whose child battled leukemia.

“Their child fought and won the battle against leukemia and now they hosted a charity event to bring awareness of how important the Ronald McDonald House and Kid’s Cure for Cancer organizations are to those families in need,” said Derrick Boxing Club coach Cody Kelly.

The club donated a boxing ring for the event as well as raised $8,450. Two boxers from the local boxing club, Drake Plotts and Brent Anderson, also participated in a boxing match.

“105 lbs. Junior A boxer Plotts was up against a tall Southpaw, left-handed boxer. Being a foot shorter and unfamiliar with such an unorthodox style made it difficult for the 12-year-old to get inside. Both were awarded as winners,” said Kelly. “21-year-old Anderson boxed in the senior 165 lbs. Novice category and made short time of his bout. He ended the match after a short eight second round.”

When asked why Derrick Boxing Club decided to participate in the event, Kelly said he wanted to honour a coach who died from cancer.

“I had history with a brother we actually boxed with many years ago,” he said. “We wanted to dedicate this to our coach, Lawrence Duperron, who passed away from cancer. He was a long-time coach of the Derrick Boxing Club.”